THE Government is intensifying efforts to promote the adoption of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects across the education sector, in a bid to fast-track Zimbabwe’s industrialisation and technological transformation.
A STEM symposium currently underway at the Midlands State University (MSU) in Gweru has brought together participants from Russia, the United States, South Africa, and local innovators to explore synergies in robotics, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies.
Speaking during the symposium, Acting MSU Vice Chancellor, Professor Grace Mugumbate, said the university is spearheading sustainable strategies to address global challenges through education and innovation.
“We aim to develop sustainable strategies in robotics for the future. We are providing a platform for our stakeholders to showcase cutting age solutions to the education system. We aim to develop meaningful partnerships for strategic growth. We aim to cement the education 5.0 model. We believe that education empowers the nation. Our STEM strategy is meant to address pressing global challenges,” she said.
The event also served as a showcase for grassroots innovation. Local innovators, including Wendy Murambi and Nancy Gadzanai, presented their inventions.
“We have developed the shampoo and some washing products using organic materials. The products have some healing effects,” Wendy Murambi said.
“We have developed a special paint that reflects in the darkness. The paint is easily washable when it catches dust as it has some special effects,” Nancy Gadzanai said.
Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Senator Fredrick Shava, affirmed the Government’s commitment to a knowledge-based economy.
“We are committed to creating education that will drive the industrial agenda crucial for the development of the nation, for the realisation of vision 2030. We want to equip leaders with 21st-century skills. We want to empower learners to develop the competences that are critical in addressing societal needs. This opens room for empowerment and national growth. We want our learners to tackle the problems the country is facing,” he said.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Honourable Torerai Moyo, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in technology education.
“Education is a driver of economic development. We are ready to equip our educators to be fit in the 21st century needs. In equipping our children, we have come up with a heritage-based curriculum for our students to have an education that addresses our needs. The symposium is critical for us to engage and ensure that robotics is inclusive in all schools. We will engage you to ensure that we meet our goals. We are ready to nurture our students to meet the international goals,” he said.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Honourable Owen Ncube, said the symposium aligns with the Second Republic’s agenda under President Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
“This symposium resonates with the Second Republic under the visionary leadership of His Excellence President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s desire and commitment to transform the livelihoods of communities and leapfrogging the economy as we glide towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle income society underpinned by resource based and knowledge driven innovation modernisation and industrialisation,” he said.
Zimbabwe is banking on artificial intelligence-based innovations to steer the economy towards industrialisation and achieve an upper-middle-income status by 2030.
